Student may file suit over fall into 50-ft. shaft

A blind Law School student who fell down an uncovered 50-foot SEPTA shaft on 36th and Walnut streets last month is considering suing "parties" responsible for the accident, according to his lawyer. "We are investigating his rights and [determining] which parties might be responsible," said attorney Gerald McHugh. He would not say if the University is one of the parties. McHugh said that second-year Law student Gerald Jeandron has not been out of his room without assistance since the accident, where he suffered injuries to the left side of his body, including his hand. He broke several bones in the fall. "[Jeandron] can not write or read by himself," McHugh said. "[Braille] requires the use of two hands." According to witnesses, the metal grate which usually covers the deep shaft had been missing since the day before the incident. They also said they saw the hole left open and unattended overnight. SEPTA spokesperson Jim Whittacker said last month that he "didn't know" why the cover of the shaft was missing and added that they had placed barricades around the hole after receiving a complaint the night before. University officials said yesterday that the University is not liable since the student fell down a shaft owned and maintained by SEPTA -- not the University. "It's a SEPTA manhole," Claims Supervisor Ron Jasner said. "What is the University's responsibility to a SEPTA manhole?" Jasner added that the University has taken various actions to help Jeandron and provide him with medical care.

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